00:00 The recent disappearance of Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu has raised
00:04 questions about the complex and opaque nature of the People's Liberation Army
00:08 also known as the PLA. Li is currently under investigation for alleged
00:12 corruption related to the procurement of military equipment during his previous
00:16 role and this investigation has also implicated eight other senior officials.
00:21 While his fate remains uncertain this incident sheds light on the intricacies
00:25 of the Chinese military system. Li's background as an aerospace engineer
00:30 involved in China's satellite program portrayed him as a technocrat who
00:34 contributed to President Xi Jinping's vision for modernizing the PLA. The
00:39 Chinese military operates within the framework of the Communist Party with
00:43 the PLA not directly serving the state but rather being under the party's
00:47 direct control. To reach his position Li would have undergone rigorous vetting to
00:52 ensure unwavering loyalty to the party and its leadership.
00:58 The PLA maintains political commissars throughout its command structure to
01:02 enforce loyalty, unity and morale an aspect unique to
01:05 traditional communist militaries. Additionally since becoming CMC
01:09 chairman Xi Jinping has implemented reforms to tighten party control over
01:14 the military adding an extra layer of opacity to the
01:17 PLA's operations. These systemic differences are
01:20 significant because the PLA is rapidly modernizing and
01:24 expanding becoming the world's largest fighting force. Understanding its
01:28 functioning and leadership's intentions is crucial
01:31 for international diplomacy and regional stability.
01:34 Li's disappearance has raised concerns about China's willingness to engage in
01:39 military outreach amid an internal security crackdown.
01:43 The international security conference that Li was due to host in October is
01:46 now under scrutiny. If Li does not appear at the Xinjiang
01:50 forum, Beijing's premier defense diplomacy event
01:54 it could indicate ongoing investigations.
01:57 Diplomats are closely monitoring China's preparations for the forum
02:00 which could offer insights into the country's military developments
02:04 and its commitment to defense diplomacy.
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